Just in time for Halloween… the mighty, orange, LION roars.
About 4-ish years ago I saw this instrument being sold online. By the shape, I guessed it was made by aNueNue since it has the distinctive “Bird” design.
The website where I first saw it was a small independent dealer and I never saw it again until…
…later that year it reappeared on the World of Ukes web store and a few other places but sold out quickly.
What I learned was that only a handful of these instruments were being made each year. They were a limited edition instrument commemorating the dreamy Taiwanese boy band called “LION.”
I wasn’t able to find the video where LION is performing with their orange instruments (it’s out there), but here’s one from their early years.
Anyway… again, I missed out on getting the LION ukulele.
Then, about three years ago I saw one being played on the Hawaii Music Supply podcast. I immediately went to their website and saw that it was the only one being sold. I snagged it. Victory!! The LION was mine!




It is based on their “Bird” style of ukuleles and like all their instruments, it sounds great. This model, officially called “LOUT,” (LION Orange Ukulele Tenor) all seem to have Cedar tops with the distinctive orange color painted on. If you look closely there is also some sparkle to it. The back and sides seem to vary. Mine has a gorgeous Koa set.
The tone is very warm and since I added the Low-G string it seems to really bring up the lower bass tones. All notes ring out equally up and down the fret board. The sustain is incredible and perfect for campanella style playing.

The case also matches the instrument. Take a moment to soak it in…
I really appreciate it when ukulele makers take great care in designing the entire package. All aNueNue cases are beautiful. Does the case affect the playing? No, but it sure “feels” good to look at and it’s easy to spot amongst all the other cases at your local meetup when they are piled up against the wall and you are trying to find it to leave the building quickly. Right?
In the spirit of orange, I decided to have a custom leather strap made by Henry Bojorquez, a local Los Angeles artist on etsy. It’s also a beauty.
Take a moment to soak it in…

I only play my LION around Halloween. Here’s a little doodle before I put on my costume and head out.
INSTRUMENT DETAILS:
Solid Cedar Top
Solid Koa Back and Sides
Strings Thomastik; CF30(Low G) and CF27 (C) and Ko’oolau Aho
MISI Pickup
Ebony Fretboard and Bridge
Ebony Faceplate
Bone nut and Saddle
Tenor Scale 14 frets to body
Video recorded on iPhone 13 mini. No processing.